This literary fantasy novel is presented as the manuscript of a writer under the pseudonym of “Noisette,” who possesses the final writings of the revolutionary Cazimir Pazikov, a historical figure in the book’s world of whom little is known. In his journal entries, Cazimir Pazikov details the final days of his life. After accidentally murdering his lover, Varina, Cazimir buries her at a crossroads as part of a ritual to resurrect her. To complete the ritual, Cazimir must journey around his native Alban Province (a region of the wartorn Kingdom of Paradigm modeled off 19th century America with European influences) in search of physical artifacts that will serve as proof of his and Varina’s love. During his journey he contends with both human and supernatural obstacles, as well as his own innate flaws. In the end he makes the ultimate sacrifice to undo his ultimate sin and return Varina to life.
Influenced by Vladimir Nabokov, Gabriel Garcia-Marquez, and Neil Gaiman, ALL THE WAKING THINGS uses fantastic elements to explore human struggles: love, loss, and atonement.
